Food is a necessity for life. There are so many different types of foods and ways to prepare them. Sometimes we think we know all about what foods are available and what benefits they provide. Then a new food is introduced or a new health discovery is made. It can be difficult to stay current on the latest food information. Learning and staying aware of food trivia and facts helps us keep our diets varied and interesting.


Everyone eats food and we all have our favorite kinds of foods. Whether you are reading this to find out more about food, to learn some food trivia for game playing, or simply out of curiosity, our food trivia article will meet all of your needs.

Our food trivia collection begins with fun food trivia facts – some that are sure to surprise you. Then we tackle some specific areas and types of food – Italian, Mexican, fast food, and healthy food. We finish with some food trivia questions and answers to test your food knowledge and that of your friends and family. Whatever your food preference, we have some interesting and challenging food trivia for you to enjoy.

Fun Food Trivia Facts

Fun Food Trivia Facts

There is a myriad of food trivia facts out there. We have chosen some we think will help you not only understand the origin and content of the food you eat, but will provide an amused chuckle. Read on to see how many of our fun food trivia facts you already knew and how many provide new information.

  • Almonds are considered seeds, not nuts.
  • Although spam is considered a popular Hawaiian treat, it originated in Minnesota.
  • Cranberries bounce if they are fresh.
  • Cucumbers are 96% water.
  • Gelatin is made from boiling skin, cartilage, and bones from animals such as pigs, cows, and chickens.
  • Jelly beans are shiny because of shellac which is listed as “confectioner’s glaze” on the label.
  • Mageirocophobia is the fear of cooking.
  • Your favorite foods contain bug fragments because the FDA allows trace amount of bug parts in food items.
  • Applesauce was the first food eaten in space.
  • A pomegranate can actually have any number of seeds.
  • Some apples you buy in the supermarket can be more than a year old, but they are kept fresh in cold storage.
  • Carrots can turn your skin orange if you eat many of them.
  • Potatoes were the first vegetables ever planted in space.
  • Asparagus loses its flavor the quickest out of any vegetable, so try to eat it the day of purchase.
  • French fries, which were actually created in Belgium, not France, got their name from their French julien cut.
  • American cheese, available since the 1950s and manufactured by James L. Kraft, is actually a “pasteurized prepared cheese product.”
  • Arachibutyrophobia is the fear of getting peanut butter stuck to the roof of your mouth and choking.
  • The cream in the middle of a Twinkie isn’t cream, but consist mostly of vegetable shortening.
  • Carrageenan (a type of seaweed) is often used as a thickening and emulsifying agent in dairy products, such as chocolate milk, cheese and cottage cheese, and ice cream.
  • The word Dorito means “little golden things” in Spanish.
  • Pumpkin pie was introduced at the second Thanksgiving in 1623.
  • Bell peppers have different numbers of lobes; four lobes are sweeter and are best raw, while peppers with three lobs are best cooked.
  • There are more than 4,000 different uses for corn and corn is found in anything from your pet’s food to fireworks.
  • Many red candies get their color from carmine; boiled cochineal bugs (beetles).
  • Pound cake’s name comes from the fact that there was a pound of every ingredient in the original recipe.
  • Ranch dressing often contains titanium dioxide, which is what’s used in sunscreen to give it its bright white color.
  • Canned white tuna has three times mores mercury than chunk light.
  • Most decaf coffee still has some caffeine.
  • Most oranges have the same number of segments – ten.
  • Blueberries were called “star berries” by Native Americans, because the blossom at the end of the berries looks like a five-pointed star.
  • Strawberries aren’t really berries, because berries only have seeds on the inside, and a strawberry has its seeds on the outside.
  • Pineapples were named because early discoverers thought they looked like pine cones.
  • Mango inspired the paisley fabric pattern.

Fast Food Trivia

Fast Food Trivia

The term “fast food” refers to the length of time it takes for the consumer to purchase a meal. Made with speed and consistency, fast food restaurants with their drive-thru service have become a favorite method of a meal eating when one is in a hurry. Reading through our list of fast food trivia will test your knowledge and also give you some new, and often surprising, information. See how much you know and then test your family and friends.

  • What fast food restaurant is credited with introducing the first modern-day drive-thru window?
  • What fast food restaurants was founded first?
  • What did McDonald’s restaurants first introduce in 1968?
  • When did McDonald’s introduce Ronald McDonald?
  • Where was the first Pizza Hut built?
  • What fast food restaurant introduced a popular advertising campaign in 1997 that featured a talking chihuahua?
  • What fast food restaurant boasts that you can “Have it your way”?
  • What fast food restaurant aired ads featuring a man who lost 245 pounds eating only their products?
  • How many herbs and spices make up the secret blend used on Colonel Harland Sanders’ fried chicken recipe?
  • Why did Kentucky Fried Chicken change its name to KFC?
  • Which fast food restaurant is famous for its curly fries and jamocha shakes?
  • What sub shop is known for its toasted subs?
  • What was the first fast food restaurant to offer a complete “lite” menu?
  • What was the first fast food restaurant in China?
  • The Famous Star is the signature burger of what fast food restaurant?
  • What year did the first Taco Bell open?
  • What restaurant chain has commercials with the slogan “Eatin’ Good in the Neighborhood”?
  • Which restaurant is famous for its “Grand Slam” meal?
  • What fast food restaurant sells the Beef ‘n Cheddar?
  • Before starting Wendy’s, what fast food franchise did Dave Thomas work for?
  • What mid 1980’s McDonald’s item came in a double container?
  • What fast food restaurant sells the Big Mac?
  • Where is the busiest McDonald’s in the world?
  • Which fast food chain was behind the infamous “Where’s the Beef?” ad campaign in 1984?
  • In 2005, what burger chain ran ads featuring a scantily clad Paris Hilton rolling around on the hood of a car?
  • According to Health magazine, what’s the healthiest fast food chain in the United States?
  • Who is the founder of Chick-Fil-A?
  • Which restaurant is the home of the original small, square hamburger?
  • Which fast-food restaurant founder was the most visible, by being featured in television commercials and becoming the face of the franchise?
  • What is the most used flavor enhancer in fast foods?
  • Which of the following McDonald’s menu items have 1,320 calories?
  • Which of the following is the most common pizza topping?

Healthy Food Trivia

Healthy Food Trivia

We should all try to have a healthy diet. Unfortunately, we frequently are not sure just what constitutes a healthy meal. Our healthy food trivia collection is designed to not only see how much you know about healthy eating, but also give you some “food for thought.” See how much you already know about eating healthy foods.

  • What nutrient do you get from the meat, poultry, eggs, and fish?
  • What are cruciferous vegetables?
  • What element, whose symbol is Ca, is needed to keep bones healthy and strong?
  • What is the most important meal of the day?
  • How do you know if juice is made from real fruit?
  • How much of your plate should you fill with fruits and veggies?
  • What red food is actually a fruit and not a veggie?
  • What is the only fruit to have seeds on the outside?
  • What is the grain-like food grown principally in the Andes Mountains that is high in protein and is a great source of B vitamins and fiber?
  • What bean that originated in East Asia is used for miso, oil, and tofu?
  • What are lactobacillus, acidophilus, and bifidobacterium?
  • What is the abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland due to deficiency of iodine called?
  • What yellow seasoning may help with mood stabilization, wound healing, and balancing blood sugar?
  • What is the name for probiotic rich fermented milk?
  • What spice, frequently used in Hungarian, Indian, and Moroccan food, provides vitamin A and can prevent spider veins and inhibit hair loss?
  • What is the common name for Allium sativum?
  • Which fruit contains an enzyme that aids digestion and also helps tenderize meat?
  • Deer meat is known by what name?
  • Are humans omnivore, herbivore, or carnivore?
  • What healthy fat containing food is used as the base of guacamole?
  • Foods rich in starch such as pasta and bread are often known by what word starting with the letter C?
  • What should you have in your diet that may benefit your digestion and reduce your risk of chronic disease?
  • What vitamin gives sweet potatoes and carrots their orange color?
  • How often should one eat fish each week?
  • What does fruit have that makes it taste sweet?
  • What important mineral is found in dairy foods such as milk and cheese?

Mexican Food Trivia

Mexican Food Trivia

Mexican food has not changed much throughout its history. Many of the ingredients used originated in Mexico and Central America. Beans, peppers, corn, fruit, and chocolate were (and still are) some of foods used frequently. Our collection of Mexican food trivia includes some familiar information and some that may prove a challenge to you. See what you know and test your friends.

  • Although wheat and rice are both used in Mexican cooking, the basic starch remains what in almost all areas of the country?
  • What is pico de gallo?
  • What is carne adobada?
  • What is rebocado?
  • What is Calabaza en Dulce?
  • What is the most used ingredient in traditional Mexican food?
  • How many tortillas can an average Mexican family consume in one day?
  • What is nopal?
  • What is the most common way to eat corn in Mexico?
  • What is another name for an avocado?
  • What is the hottest part of a chili pepper?
  • What is the name of Mexican cinnamon?
  • What are chipotle chiles?
  • Which came first, flour or corn tortillas?
  • What are bontanzas?
  • What European nation consumes the most spicy Mexican food?
  • What is the word for sandwich in Mexico?
  • What is the unusual ingredient in the sauce of mole poblano?
  • What is menudo?
  • What is the flavor of alioli sauce?
  • What are the two main ingredients of “arroz con pollo”?
  • What is ice cream called in Mexico?
  • What are the main ingredients of a tortilla Epañola?
  • What would you buy at a lechería?
  • What is the name of an egg custard of Mexico and Spain?
  • What is a banana called in Mexico?
  • What is the Mexican version of fried “eggs sunny side up”?
  • What are Huevos rancheros?
  • How much pork do the best types of chorizo have?
  • What are sweet potatoes called in Mexico?
  • What is the main ingredient in the soup “pozole”?
  • What is ceviche?
  • What do people call fast foods in Hispanic countries?
  • In what were tamales wrapped?
  • What is pepita?
  • What is used as a topping for flan?
  • What are chicharrones?
  • What is sold at a pastelería?
  • What is the main ingredient of drink atole?

Italian Food Trivia

Italian Food Trivia

Another favorite food for many is Italian. You will find some surprises about the origin and ingredients in our list of Italian food trivia. See how many of the following questions provide new or surprising information for you and your friends.

  • Is spaghetti and meatballs an Italian dish?
  • How much pasta does the average Italian eat every year?
  • Is Caesar salad Italian?
  • How many types of different pasta shapes are there?
  • What three things are always on Italian dinner tables?
  • What does “Piccolo” mean when part of an Italian restaurant name?
  • How many main ingredients does an Italian dish usually contain?
  • What is risotto?
  • Have tomatoes always been used in Italian cuisine?
  • What is the most commonly used vegetable fat in Italian cooking?
  • Italian cuisine is well known for its use of a diverse variety of what ingredient?
  • Most pastas are distinguished by what?
  • Pasta is categorized in what two basic styles?
  • Dried pasta made without eggs can be stored for up to how long?
  • Fresh pasta will keep for how long?
  • How is pasta generally cooked?
  • How often do Italians eat pasta?
  • Italy many varieties of grapes are gown in Italy?
  • What is the main meal of the day in Italy?
  • Is Neapolitan ice cream Italian?
  • What do Italians drink in the morning?
  • Is garlic bread an Italian invention?
  • Do Italians put cheese on linguine with clam sauce?
  • What is the literal meaning of the Italian word Linguine?
  • Where did Margherita pizza get its name?
  • Who is credited with making pasta popular in America?
  • What was the most influential crop incorporated into Italian cuisine after Columbus returned from the New World?
  • What’s the most popular type of eatery in Italy?
  • Why does pasta sometimes come in such complex shapes?
  • What is the primary ingredient of pesto?
  • In Italian cooking, what are capers?
  • What Italian dessert is multi-colored ice cream, often with nuts or fruit embedded in it?
  • Granchio is Italian for what seafood?
  • Where do pine nuts, often used to make pesto, come from?
  • What shape is the pasta called chiocciole?

Food Trivia Questions and Answers

Food Trivia Questions and Answers

Now that you have read through the food trivia lists we have provided, let’s see how much you really know about food. We have listed fifty questions followed by a separate list of answers. See how many you can get right and then test your family and friends. This list also works well for a food trivia game. Have fun!

Questions

  1. What are the two top selling spices in the world?
  2. Under U.S. government regulations, what percentage of peanut butter has to be peanuts?
  3. Under federal food labeling regulations, how much caffeine must be removed from coffee for it to be called decaffeinated?
  4. Are yams and sweet potatoes the same?
  5. What candy bar consists of nougat, caramel, and peanuts wrapped in chocolate?
  6. In cooking, what does “etoufee” mean?
  7. “Better Ingredients, Better Pizza” has been used as an ad slogan by which company?
  8. King, Coho, and Silver are subspecies of what fish?
  9. What candy comes in refillable dispensers with characters on top?
  10. Beluga, osetra, and sevruga caviar come from what fish?
  11. What is the traditional name of the soy bean soup which is a staple of the Japanese?
  12. What is used to thicken gazpacho?
  13. What country does Brie cheese originate from?
  14. Which vegetable is also known as a “courgette”?
  15. What do you call the rotating rod a “rotisserie” item is cooked on?
  16. In cooking, if you “pare” a carrot, what do you do to it?
  17. What is the primary flavoring agent of a Greek Tzatziki sauce?
  18. What is the term for cooking meats like pork or duck in order to melt some of the fat out of them?
  19. What food is also known as “liberty cabbage”?
  20. A field in which rice is grown is called a what?
  21. Which flower yields the spice saffron?
  22. What is another name for butter beans?
  23. Where does arabica coffee originate?
  24. Stilton cheese is native to what country?
  25. What is the main ingredient in falafel?
  26. What do you call champagne mixed with orange juice?
  27. Which fruit is named after a flightless bird?
  28. What does the Italian term “Al Dente” mean in regards to pasta?
  29. What is used to make hummus?
  30. What is a light and fluffy pie filling made with stabilized gelatin and beaten egg whites called?
  31. With what American city is the cheesesteak sandwich commonly associated?
  32. What is the most commonly used oil in Chinese cooking?
  33. What dish from Spain consists of saffron rice, shrimp, clams, chicken, sausage, and peas?
  34. What cheese is traditionally used on a Reuben sandwich?
  35. What type of sugar includes a small amount of cornstarch to prevent lumping while mixing?
  36. What are the names of the Rice Krispies elves?
  37. Which Italian town is considered to make the world’s best balsamic vinegar?
  38. Who is the “Little Debbie” snack line named after?
  39. What might Italians call maize?
  40. is the Hawaiian name for yellow fin tuna?
  41. What type of fish is a dangerous delicacy for sushi eaters if not correctly prepared?
  42. What kind of Greek bread is used in a gyro?
  43. Coffee plants originated on what continent over 1000 years ago?
  44. What Indian spice that grows in pods is used to make chai tea?
  45. A tangelo is a cross between which three fruits?
  46. Jambon is the French word for what food?
  47. What is another name for the Queensland nut or bush nut?
  48. A pimento is what type of vegetable?
  49. Should tomatoes be stored in the refrigerator?
  50. Which has more sugar, a strawberry or a lemon?

Answers

  1. Pepper is the top seller; mustard is second.
  2. 90 percent
  3. 97 percent
  4. No
  5. Snickers
  6. Smothered
  7. Papa John’s
  8. Salmon
  9. Pez
  10. Sturgeon
  11. Miso
  12. Bread
  13. France
  14. Zucchini
  15. Spit
  16. Peel It
  17. Garlic
  18. Rendering
  19. Sauerkraut
  20. Paddy
  21. Crocus
  22. Lima Beans
  23. Ethiopia
  24. England
  25. Chickpeas
  26. Mimosa
  27. Kiwi
  28. To the Teeth
  29. Chickpeas
  30. Chiffon
  31. Philadelphia
  32. Groundnut or Peanut Oil
  33. Paella
  34. Swiss
  35. Powdered Sugar
  36. Snap, Crackle and Pop
  37. Modena
  38. Granddaughter of Original Owners
  39. Polenta
  40. Ahi
  41. Blowfish
  42. Pita Bread
  43. Africa
  44. Cardamom
  45. Tangerine, Grapefruit, Orange
  46. Ham
  47. Macadamia
  48. Pepper
  49. No, they lose their flavor.
  50. A lemon

Well, there you have it; enough food trivia to make you an expert and the envy of your friends and family. We challenge you to continue to increase your knowledge about this wonderful and often misunderstood necessity of life – FOOD. Have fun!